Deshaun Waton - Pass It On

Pass It On

2020 Deshaun Watson

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ISBN 978-0-7852-3209-4 (eBook)

Epub Edition June 2020 9780785232094

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020937450

ISBN 978-0-7852-3204-9 (HC)

Printed in the United States of America

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This book is dedicated to my mother,

Deann Watson, and my Watson family.

You are my ROCK, and I love you dearly.

CONTENTS

Several years ago, I said that any NFL team that passed on Deshaun Watson in the draft would be like turning down a chance to draft Michael Jordan.

I meant that then and I mean it now, more than ever.

Thats not just a matter of physical skills. Deshaun and Jordan both have natural ability to spare.

In comparing Deshaun to Jordan, I was also referring to more than athleticism. Having coached Deshaun for several years at Clemson University and knowing him for even longer, I realized what a privilege I had in working with a young man whose dedication and commitment to preparation are at a level that very few athletes achieve.

But its more than just work ethic. By how he presents himself and goes about constantly improving his play, Deshaun naturally inspires those around him to work just as hard and with the same strength of commitment. He just makes everyone around him that much better.

Phrased another way, his focus on servant leadershipleading through service to othersby both action and example is both natural and inspiring.

The torn ACL he suffered in a game against Georgia Tech illustrates the courage that his leadership embodies. We were scheduled to play in-state rival South Carolina in a couple of weeks, and I thought there was no way Deshaun would be able to play. But Deshaun kept insisting that he would be ready. We rigged up a brace for him and, in practice a few days before the Carolina game, youd have never known he was hurt.

Going into the game, I gave him strict instructions. Get rid of the ball quickly. If you have to scramble, just go down. Dont get hit.

On our first drive, we were at the Carolina 11-yard line. Deshaun drops back, starts scrambling, and the next thing you know, he plants his foot in the ground and dives into the end zone as hes getting hit. Im thinking, Oh my, hes done. But he just pops up and comes jogging down the field like hes out for a leisurely run.

I remember saying, This guy is unbelievable. It was obvious to me that Deshauns dedication, grit, and determination are unmatched.

At my press conference after the South Carolina game, I expressed my joy in snapping a long losing streak against South Carolina, then added: I just witnessed one of the most amazing things Ive ever seen.

I then told a stunned press corps that Deshaun had played the entire game with a torn ACL.

Deshauns leadership is not only a great example for others; he also has a natural ability to draw others closer to him.

It reminds me of the story that I heard about Deshauns first day with the Houston Texans prior to the draft. He sat down in the cafeteria to have lunch. Almost immediately, other players began to join him at the same table. It was almost as though they were drawn to him. They recognized that this was a player and a person worth getting to know and learning from.

And with this book, youre getting the same opportunity to come to understand this very special young man and how you can apply what he has learned in your own life.

As youll read, Deshauns life was far from easygrowing up in a single-parent home in a neighborhood scarred by crime, his mothers cancer diagnosis and struggle to recover, and the series of injuries from which he has always managed to rebound.

Overcoming those and many other challenges has only served to strengthen Deshauns character and approach to everything he does. I think thats because he understands the value of learning from every experience. No matter if its winning a national championship or rallying his family in the face of his mothers illness, Deshauns ability to find something of value in both the good and the bad has helped make him the man he is.

Thats how hes become such a remarkable servant leader. He doesnt just give orders by being of service to others in times of crisis or challengehe inspires confidence, hard work, and a sense of belonging to something greater than yourself. Thats the best kind of leader you could ask for.

In Pass It On, Deshaun repeatedly returns to the importance of servant leadership, whether on the football field or through helping others struggling to get by in the wake of tragedy. The setting really doesnt matter. In taking advantage of every opportunity to serve others, he knows that you dont merely offer someone else a helping handin doing so, your character, faith, and humanity benefit as well.

Thats one of the reasons why, in recruiting Deshaun to Clemson University, I gave him my word that we would build the program around him. As I got to know him both as a player and a person, I realized his emotional strength and sense of obligation to others mandated nothing less.

I like to say that Deshaun is the same guy, day in and day out. What you saw yesterday, youll see again today and tomorrow. And as you read this book, I know you, too, will recognize how his values and commitment to service never waver.

Pass It On offers a close-up look at a remarkable young man whose rise to the top of the athletic world has every bit as much to do with character built through service to others as it does with athleticism. As you read this book, youll come across a number of important and helpful ideas, including:

1. The value of resilience.

2. Recognizing when its not your time.

3. Failure is the best teacher.

4. Forgive the haters.

With those and other thoughts to look forward to, Im genuinely excited about all that Deshaun has to pass on to you.

Dabo Swinney,

Head Football Coach, Clemson University

This book would not be possible without the love and support of my mother, Deanne Watson, my Auntie Sonia, and my Watson family.

A very special thank-you to David Mulugheta, Bryan Burney, and Quincy Averyyou are the heart and soul of my team on and off the field.

So many individuals have helped me along my journey: Mrs. Maria Herbst, my Clemson advisor; high school coaches Michael Perry, Tyler Perry, and head coach Bruce Miller; Clemson head coach Dabo Sweeney, Chad Morris, Clemson offensive coordinator, and all of the coaches and staff at Clemson University; Jack Waldrip, Violet Waldrip, and Andy Miller, my mentors in Gainesville; pastors Michael Thurmond and Jenson Franklin. And thank you to the entire Houston Texans organization.